How To Help Someone With Anxiety: Advice On Signs, Treatment And Support

Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time. In fact, it's part of human nature and our built-in 'fight or flight' mentality.

But there's a stark difference between feeling anxious because of an exam or a job interview and having a sustained feeling of anxiety that follows you around relentlessly and impacts day-to-day life.

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues in the UK, affecting 4.7% of the UK population. But according to the Mental Health Foundation, it is under-diagnosed, under-reported and under-treated.

"Mental health issues are being spoken about more openly, which could account for the increase of people coming forward," she tells HuffPost UK Lifestyle. "But also, the rise could indicate that more people are suffering from anxiety - the world certainly is becoming a more complicated and stressful place to live in."

When it comes to diagnosing anxiety, there is plenty of information for sufferers to self-diagnose. But what happens if you suspect a loved one might have anxiety? And how do you broach the subject and begin to help them through it?

"You don’t have to be an expert to talk about mental health, often it’s the little things that can really make a difference," he tells HuffPost UK Lifestyle. "Simply asking someone for a cup of tea, giving them a call or text to let them know you’re there, can help them feel like they’re not alone."

He adds: "Talking about your experiences is the first step to recovery and so it’s vital that everyone feels they have someone they can go to and can trust, to open up about everything they’re going through."

Story continues below...

The Worst Things You Could Say To Anxiety Sufferers

The Worst Things You Could Say To Anxiety Sufferers

1

of

14

Share this slide:

Dr Jacobson says that anxiety sufferers may be in denial about their condition and so it's worth doing your research. Being fully equipped with information about symptoms and treatment will make talking to them easier and you will feel more comfortable talking about difficult issues.

"This information shouldn’t be forced upon them - it’s likely they could withdraw further," she warns. "Sometimes our concern can come out the wrong way, so always try to be sensitive or compassionate rather than abrupt or blameful."

Once you have made the first steps, there are different avenues and services available to seek help.

But Dr Jacobson warns against putting pressure on your loved one to ‘fix' their anxiety issues.

"Anxiety, as most psychological concerns, can be ‘managed’ more than it can be ‘cured’," she says. "Giving someone the hope that they can be completely rid of anxiety is not only unrealistic, but might set them up for disappointment and self-blame."